The Holy Father Benedict XVI, on Ash Wednesday, 13th February, 2013, presented his Catechesis on the meaning and importance of this day in the life of the Church. The Pope explained that Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the forty days of prayer, fasting and conversion. He said,
"Today,
Ash Wednesday, we begin our yearly Lenten journey of conversion in preparation
for Easter. The forty days of Lent recall Israel’s sojourn in the desert and
the temptations of Jesus at the beginning of his public ministry. The desert,
as the place of silent encounter with God and decision about the deepest meaning
and direction of our lives, is also a place of temptation. In his temptation in
the desert, Jesus showed us that fidelity to God’s will must guide our lives
and thinking, especially amid today’s secularized society."
The Holy Father is inviting the whole Church, the Family of God and all who seek God in sincerity of heart, to a deeper and radical conversion amid the challenges of the world. He says,
"In this Lenten season, Christ
once again knocks at our door (cf. Rev 3:20) and invites us to
open our minds and hearts to his love and his truth. May Jesus’ example of
overcoming temptation inspire us to embrace God’s will and to see all things in
the light of his saving truth."
Please ready the full text of the Pope's Catechesis on the Year of Faith Catechesis Page on this web-blog.
Source: Amecea Pastoral Department
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